Price: $22,830
Mileage: 41 mpg Hwy, 30 mpg City
The diesel-powered Jetta TDI didn't make the top 12, but it came close. Diesel cars get excellent fuel economy and today's diesel engines are much cleaner-burning than those of decades ago. Their emissions are still less environmentally friendly than those of similarly efficient gasoline-powered cars, though, according to the ACEEE.
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